John Wanamaker
John Wanamaker was an American merchant and a pioneer in the retail industry, known for founding one of the first department stores in the United States. His store, Wanamaker's, opened in Philadelphia in 1876 and was famous for its innovative marketing strategies and customer service. Wanamaker was also a proponent of using advertising to attract customers, which helped shape modern retail practices.
In addition to his contributions to retail, Wanamaker served as the United States Postmaster General from 1889 to 1891 under President Benjamin Harrison. He was instrumental in reforming the postal service, introducing new technologies and improving efficiency. Wanamaker's legacy continues to influence both retail and public service today.